The Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Mary Hanafin T.D. today (6th March 2009) presented certificates in Money Management from the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) to 14 successful participants of the Primary Health Care Money Management and Community Education Programme in Loughrea, Co. Galway.

The money management programme was developed as a joint initiative between North Galway MABS and the Traveller Primary Health Care Project. Speaking to assembled guests at the event in Loughrea today Minister Hanafin said,
“I am delighted to see that this worthwhile money management programme is now being promoted and delivered nationally to Traveller Training Centres through the involvement of National Traveller MABS.”

Paying tribute to the 14 women who received their certificates, Minister Hanafin said,
“This programme is particularly beneficial as it equips the participants with the skills to help others so that as outreach workers they can bring those skills and knowledge to the wider Traveller community. This programme demonstrates the support and services that MABS provides and particularly its commitment to taking pro-active steps with regard to debt prevention and to supporting low income families in managing their resources effectively.”

Research shows that lack of information about money management contributes to the difficulties that people on low incomes encounter. Commenting on this, Minister Hanafin said,
“I am pleased to see that the National Traveller MABS and North Galway MABS are addressing this issue by providing information and education on all aspects of money management and budgeting.”

National Traveller MABS aims to address the problem of debt and access to affordable credit among members of the Traveller Community by supporting their clients in joining their local Credit Union or Bank and by educating Traveller clients and groups in relation to budgeting and money management.

Commending the National Traveller MABS Minister Hanafin said,
“National Traveller MABS through its six staff members has actively promoted a greater understanding of Traveller issues among service providers and through its support role has ensured that all clients receive equitable treatment which will have a long term impact for future users from the Traveller community.”

MABS are funded by the Department of Social & Family Affairs and have offices in 65 locations throughout the country. The National MABS Helpline is available on
1890 283 438 (for the price of a local call) to take calls from members of the public seeking help and advice or on their website at
http://www.mabs.ie/.

The Department of Social and Family Affairs is providing almost €18 million to fund MABS in 65 locations throughout the country.

ENDS

Notes for Editor:

MABS is a national, free, confidential and independent service for people in debt or in danger of getting into debt. Professional and confidential advice is available. MABS money advisors help clients to assess their financial situation, make a budget plan for the future and deal with creditors.

The Money Advice and Budgeting Service can be accessed in three ways:

Through 52 MABS companies operating in 65 locations around the country which provide a face-to face service;